Saturday, March 14
Las Vegas, Nev.
9:00 PM
California Baptist University
25-8,13-5WAC
63
vs
61
Utah Valley University
25-8,14-4WAC
1st half1
2nd half2
FinalF
California Baptist
26
37
63
Utah Valley
26
35
61
Photo by: Matt Horrocks
Daniels Jr.’s Heroic Final Minutes Sends CBU to the Big Dance
3/15/2026 1:02:00 AM | Men's Basketball
LAS VEGAS, NV --- The most remarkable three minutes of basketball just occurred in the Orleans Arena, as Dominique Daniels Jr. put the Lancers on his back and punched CBU's ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Down seven with just over two minutes to go, the Lancers mounted a comeback for the ages to capture the first WAC Championship in program history.
With the tournament championship, the Lancers have punched their ticket to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship for the first time in program history.
An emotional Rick Croy praised his team after the game, noting, "This group of players, it was on full display tonight. Their belief in each other, it means everything to them to represent CBU and do it in a positive way."
Croy added, "We were down seven, I'm not sure how much time was on the clock, and the talk in the huddles was incredible. I knew at that point we were going to find a way."
Daniels Jr., the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 WAC Tournament, put together a performance that will be remembered forever by all who were there to see it. Daniels Jr. scored the Lancers' final nine points, all 3-pointers, including the dagger with just over ten seconds remaining to give the Lancers a two-point lead.
Leading by two, CBU needed one final stop to clinch the hardware. Utah Valley got its look, but a game-tying dunk rattled out, sending the CBU bench onto the floor in a flurry, as they had produced a comeback of the ages.
"Anything can happen in March, that's what I kept telling myself those last three possessions," said Daniels Jr. on the amazing finish.
"He's a special player," added Jayden Jackson on his teammate, Daniels Jr. "It's unbelievable the things he's able to do. I couldn't be more proud of him."
Daniels Jr. scored 23 points and sank five triples in his heroic performance.
"This guy is the most courageous player I've ever coached," added Croy on Daniels Jr. "We needed everyone in the building tonight. Lancer Nation showed up in a big way. I couldn't be more full of gratitude for our players, for this group of seniors, and this is a really special night for California Baptist University."
On top of his amazing closing stretch, Daniels Jr. also claimed another record, as he is now the holder of the most points in a single season in CBU history.
The Lancers are now 25-8, extending the winningest season in program history.
Two other Lancers ended the win in double figures. Bradey Henige dropped 11 points to pair with four rebounds. Jonathan Griman contributed ten points and four boards before fouling out. Martel Williams paired eight points with seven rebounds. Thomas Ndong led the Lancers with eight boards.
CBU will learn its next stop on Sunday, as the NCAA will announce the 2026 bracket as part of the March Madness selection show on CBS at 3 p.m.
With the tournament championship, the Lancers have punched their ticket to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship for the first time in program history.
An emotional Rick Croy praised his team after the game, noting, "This group of players, it was on full display tonight. Their belief in each other, it means everything to them to represent CBU and do it in a positive way."
Croy added, "We were down seven, I'm not sure how much time was on the clock, and the talk in the huddles was incredible. I knew at that point we were going to find a way."
Daniels Jr., the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 WAC Tournament, put together a performance that will be remembered forever by all who were there to see it. Daniels Jr. scored the Lancers' final nine points, all 3-pointers, including the dagger with just over ten seconds remaining to give the Lancers a two-point lead.
Leading by two, CBU needed one final stop to clinch the hardware. Utah Valley got its look, but a game-tying dunk rattled out, sending the CBU bench onto the floor in a flurry, as they had produced a comeback of the ages.
"Anything can happen in March, that's what I kept telling myself those last three possessions," said Daniels Jr. on the amazing finish.
"He's a special player," added Jayden Jackson on his teammate, Daniels Jr. "It's unbelievable the things he's able to do. I couldn't be more proud of him."
Daniels Jr. scored 23 points and sank five triples in his heroic performance.
"This guy is the most courageous player I've ever coached," added Croy on Daniels Jr. "We needed everyone in the building tonight. Lancer Nation showed up in a big way. I couldn't be more full of gratitude for our players, for this group of seniors, and this is a really special night for California Baptist University."
On top of his amazing closing stretch, Daniels Jr. also claimed another record, as he is now the holder of the most points in a single season in CBU history.
The Lancers are now 25-8, extending the winningest season in program history.
Two other Lancers ended the win in double figures. Bradey Henige dropped 11 points to pair with four rebounds. Jonathan Griman contributed ten points and four boards before fouling out. Martel Williams paired eight points with seven rebounds. Thomas Ndong led the Lancers with eight boards.
CBU will learn its next stop on Sunday, as the NCAA will announce the 2026 bracket as part of the March Madness selection show on CBS at 3 p.m.
Team Stats
CBU
UVU
FG%
.379
.440
3FG%
.346
.375
FT%
.909
.583
RB
35
33
TO
13
14
STL
7
6
Game Leaders
Pts
23
FGM
7
3FGM
5
FTM
4
Pts
11
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
3
Pts
10
FGM
5
3FGM
0
FTM
0
Pts
8
FGM
3
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's BasketballG
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